Full Description
This book recovers the neglected history of Gerlin Bean, an activist and community organiser in the Black radical movement of the 1960s-1980s. Gerlin Bean was one of the movement's most active participants, but like many such women little is documented about her life and work. This is the first book to focus on Gerlin's contributions to Black radical organising, looking at her activism across a number of influential organisations and initiatives, from youth programmes to Black Power politics and autonomous Black women's groups.
Based on interviews with people who knew her along with original archival research work, this book explores Gerlin's experiences against the backdrop of the revolutionary potential and vigour of the latter half of the twentieth century, reclaiming her as a critical figure in Black British history. The second title in LW's Radical Black Women series, Gerlin Bean: Mother of the Movement is essential reading for historians of Black Britain, archivists, educators and activists engaged in decolonising British history and culture.
Contents
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1: Early life
Chapter 2: Migration to Britain and nursing career
Chapter 3: All our future is in our young people - youth initiatives
Chapter 4: How do you see the future? Revolutionary politics
Chapter 5: We had our own philosophy: The Black women's movement
Chapter 6: The struggle continues wherever you are
Chapter 7: Legacy
Index
